Syllabus aims and assessment objectives

9 Cambridge O Level Economics 2281. Syllabus for examination in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

5. Syllabus aims and assessment objectives

5.1 Syllabus aims The aims below describe the educational purposes of a course in economics for the Cambridge O Level exam. The aims are to: 1 develop candidates’ knowledge and understanding of economic terminology, principles and theories 2 develop candidates’ basic economic numeracy and literacy and their ability to handle simple data including graphs and diagrams 3 develop candidates’ ability to use the tools of economic analysis in particular situations 4 show candidates how to identify and discriminate between differing sources of information and how to distinguish between facts and value judgements in economic issues 5 develop candidates’ ability to use economic skills with reference to individuals, groups and organisations to understand better the world in which they live 6 develop candidates’ understanding of the economies of developed and developing nations and of the relationships between them; and to develop their appreciation of these relationships from the perspective of both developed and developing nations. 5.2 Assessment objectives and their weightings The three assessment objectives in Cambridge O Level Economics are: AO1: Knowledge with understanding AO2: Analysis AO3: Critical evaluation and decision-making. AO1: Knowledge with understanding Candidates should be able to: • show knowledge and understanding of economic facts, deinitions, concepts, principles and theories • use economic vocabulary and terminology. AO2: Analysis Candidates should be able to: • select, organise and interpret data • apply economic knowledge and understanding in written, numerical, diagrammatic and graphical form • use economic data, to recognise patterns in such data, and to deduce relationships. 10 Cambridge O Level Economics 2281. Syllabus for examination in 2017, 2018 and 2019. AO3: Critical evaluation and decision-making Candidates should be able to: • distinguish between evidence and opinion, make reasoned judgements and communicate those judgements in an accurate and logical manner • recognise that economic theory has various limitations and uncertainties • evaluate the social and environmental implications of particular courses of economic action • draw conclusions from economic information and critically evaluate economic data • communicate conclusions in a logical and clear manner. The weightings given to the assessment objectives are: assessment objective Paper 1 Paper 2 Overall AO1: Knowledge with understanding 45 ± 5 20 ± 5 28 ± 5 AO2: Analysis 55 ± 5 35 ± 5 41 ± 5 AO3: Critical evaluation and decision-making 45 ± 5 31 ± 4 The assessment objectives are weighted to give an indication of their relative importance. The weightings are not intended to provide a precise statement of the number of marks allocated to particular assessment objectives. 11 Cambridge O Level Economics 2281. Syllabus for examination in 2017, 2018 and 2019.

6. Syllabus content